Preparing your child for secondary school
You’ve known this day has been coming for a long time – your child is heading to secondary school in September. It's an exciting time for both you and your child, but it can be an equally daunting experience too, with some challenges to overcome before your child really settles.
We've put together some helpful, manageable tips for preparing your child when making the jump from primary to senior school:
Be open about their worries
Saying 'everything will be alright' isn't going to ease your child's fears about moving to secondary school. Rather than brush their concerns under the carpet, encourage them to speak about what is worrying them. The move can be a tough transition for the whole family, so consider getting everyone together to talk everything through.
Focus on the positives
Yes, your child might be worried about moving into senior school, but the chances are they are a bit excited too. Ask them what they are most looking forward to and build on that; by the time their first day arrives, they will have a greater confidence to tackle the change head-on.
Talk about social media safety
Going to secondary school can give children a greater sense of independence and a wider social group. However, it's important that your child knows the potential dangers of sharing personal information with others online. According to a recent report, 18% of children aged between 7 and 17 have given out personal information online. It’s impossible to track your child's online usage fully, but making them aware of the pitfalls of social media could help. Have regular conversations with your child and understand more about what sites they are visiting when online.
Online safety book 'Virtually Me' is aimed at children under 14 and is an accessible way of getting young people to think about the information they should (and should not) be sharing online. Pick up a copy of Virtually Me during the summer and allow your child to work through it ahead of starting secondary school.
Give them some space
The first few weeks of secondary school can be exhausting for children. It can be a bit adjust, not just mentally but physically, with more books to carry and longer days in some cases. Make the transition easier by giving your child space when they need it. They will eventually get used to the new routine and settle into it well.
Help your child to become more responsible
Up until now, the chances are you have organised most of your child's life. Their move to secondary school means they will have to be much more organised than ever before. If you haven't done so already, start to give them more responsibility over their belongings, so that they are better prepared when it comes to secondary school.
Take care of your own wellbeing
As we touched upon earlier, the transition from primary to secondary school can affect the whole family – including you. If you find the period stressful, take care of your own wellbeing, through mindfulness books or regular chats with parents in the same situation. Familiarise yourself with the new environment; attend open evenings or an induction event if one is planned. Generally, children are resilient and adaptable – so you should be too.
Buy Virtually Me now
We've put together some helpful, manageable tips for preparing your child when making the jump from primary to senior school:
Be open about their worries
Saying 'everything will be alright' isn't going to ease your child's fears about moving to secondary school. Rather than brush their concerns under the carpet, encourage them to speak about what is worrying them. The move can be a tough transition for the whole family, so consider getting everyone together to talk everything through.
Focus on the positives
Yes, your child might be worried about moving into senior school, but the chances are they are a bit excited too. Ask them what they are most looking forward to and build on that; by the time their first day arrives, they will have a greater confidence to tackle the change head-on.
Talk about social media safety
Going to secondary school can give children a greater sense of independence and a wider social group. However, it's important that your child knows the potential dangers of sharing personal information with others online. According to a recent report, 18% of children aged between 7 and 17 have given out personal information online. It’s impossible to track your child's online usage fully, but making them aware of the pitfalls of social media could help. Have regular conversations with your child and understand more about what sites they are visiting when online.
Online safety book 'Virtually Me' is aimed at children under 14 and is an accessible way of getting young people to think about the information they should (and should not) be sharing online. Pick up a copy of Virtually Me during the summer and allow your child to work through it ahead of starting secondary school.
Give them some space
The first few weeks of secondary school can be exhausting for children. It can be a bit adjust, not just mentally but physically, with more books to carry and longer days in some cases. Make the transition easier by giving your child space when they need it. They will eventually get used to the new routine and settle into it well.
Help your child to become more responsible
Up until now, the chances are you have organised most of your child's life. Their move to secondary school means they will have to be much more organised than ever before. If you haven't done so already, start to give them more responsibility over their belongings, so that they are better prepared when it comes to secondary school.
Take care of your own wellbeing
As we touched upon earlier, the transition from primary to secondary school can affect the whole family – including you. If you find the period stressful, take care of your own wellbeing, through mindfulness books or regular chats with parents in the same situation. Familiarise yourself with the new environment; attend open evenings or an induction event if one is planned. Generally, children are resilient and adaptable – so you should be too.
Buy Virtually Me now
